PREMIER DIVISION REVIEW LISKEARD Athletic supporters will want to forget their first excursion in the Carlsberg South West Peninsula Premier Division after events destroyed any chance of success. The season began with the appointment of John Clarkson as manager and an influx of good signings, but the effervescent Scotsman's departure signalled the release of most of his signings. The only success story from that era was the signing of former Exeter City striker Chris Wright, who remained loyal to the Blues, notching an impressive 27 goals in a struggling side. Dave Hick took over as chairman from Chris Burchell and that was the signal for the departure of the 'big name' signings, but that left the new managerial pair of Lee Harvey and John Horne, who both agreed to return to Lux Park, with a small and largely inadequate squad. That culminated in a shocking record of two points from their last 10 games and a final position of 13th, which by any Liskeard standards is simply not good enough. Harvey has openly stated that it was a case of 'seeing the season out' and building for next season, and it now remains to be seen what movement there will be in the close season – but, believe me, there needs to be a massive clear-out, followed by a big influx of players. Saltash United had a season of turmoil and hopes of success rolled into one, but unfortunately the runners-up trophy is all that now adorns the Kimberley Stadium trophy cabinet. A below-par start to the season paled into insignificance with the shock death of manager Tim Halford after the FA Vase defeat away at Willand on September 22. That was the signal for the players to embark on a mission, and an undefeated run of 23 games saw them challenging for the league, as well as reaching the Cornwall Senior Cup final and the Throgmorton and Charity Cup semi-finals. The Ashes were unlucky to lose to Truro City in the Senior Cup final, but found eventual champions Bodmin Town their nemisis as they beat them in both semi-finals and also for the league title. One of the biggest success stories of the season came at Torpoint Athletic, who were given very little chance of surviving at this level. Instead, the Tamarsiders rolled up their sleeves to lose only once in their opening 12 league and cup games. By the end of the season they had finished in sixth place, which led manager Ian Stephens to say: 'That is not good enough and the club needs to look at the finances for next season and make a decision if they want to move forward.' St Blazey were another side expected to be the 'whipping boys' of the Premier Division after the departure of practically all of the previous season's championship side from Blaise Park. A drastic cut in budget meant the new managerial team of Dave Philp and Phil Lafferty had a hard job on their hands, and they are to be congratulated for taking the Green & Blacks to a very creditable eighth place.